Japanese engineer and astronaut who flew on the International Space Station and was part of the crew on the Space Shuttle Discovery, contributing to space exploration and research.
Soichi Noguchi is a renowned Japanese aeronautical engineer and astronaut who has made history by flying on three different launch systems: Space Shuttle, Soyuz, and Crew Dragon. With a career spanning over two decades, he has become a household name in the space exploration community, known for his remarkable achievements and contributions to the field of astronautics.
Born on April 15, 1965, in Yokohama, Japan, Soichi Noguchi grew up in Chigasaki, Kanagawa, which he considers his hometown. He graduated from Chigasaki Hokuryo High School in 1984 and later earned a Bachelor's degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Tokyo in 1989. He further pursued his Master's degree in the same field, completing it in 1991.
Noguchi's astronaut career took off in 2005 when he flew as a mission specialist aboard STS-114, NASA's first return-to-flight Space Shuttle mission after the Columbia disaster. This historic mission marked the beginning of his illustrious career, which would see him fly on multiple spaceflights.
In 2010, he became part of the Soyuz TMA-17 crew and Expedition 22 to the International Space Station (ISS), returning to Earth on June 2, 2010. His third spaceflight was on board the Dragon 2 capsule for the SpaceX Crew-1 mission, which launched on November 15, 2020, and landed on May 2, 2021. This achievement made him the third astronaut to fly on three different launch systems.
Soichi Noguchi's exceptional contributions to space exploration have been recognized with several awards and honors. He received the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's Prize for Science and Technology in 2011. He was also awarded the Japanese Government's Medal with Purple Ribbon in 2012.
In addition to his astronaut career, Noguchi has been involved in academia. He became a part-time lecturer at the University of Tokyo's graduate school in 2011 and was appointed as a project professor in 2021. As of 2022, he is a project professor at the Department of Aerospace Engineering, Nihon University.
On June 1, 2022, Soichi Noguchi retired from astronaut duty and quit JAXA. He has since assumed various roles, including honorary director of the CupNoodles Museum, chief executive fellow of the Institute for International Socio-Economic Studies, and advisor of IHI Corporation. He is also the representative of MiraiSpace Co., Ltd.
Soichi Noguchi is an outdoors enthusiast who enjoys jogging, basketball, skiing, and camping. He holds a flight instructor certificate as CFII and MEI and was a Boy Scout in his youth.
Soichi Noguchi's remarkable journey is a testament to his dedication, passion, and commitment to space exploration. As a trailblazer in the field of astronautics, he continues to inspire generations to reach for the stars.
Last updated: 2022
92 Years Old
The first human to journey into outer space, paving the way for space exploration and inspiring generations to reach for the stars. A hero and a pioneer in the field of cosmonautics.
96 Years Old
First person to walk on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission, marking a historic milestone in space exploration.
96 Years Old
Second man to walk on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission, a pioneering astronaut and advocate for space exploration.
75 Years Old
American physicist and astronaut who broke barriers as the first woman in space, inspiring generations of women in STEM fields. Founded a company to promote science education and literacy.
98 Years Old
American baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues from 1965 to 1975, known for being a four-time All-Star and winning the American League ERA title in 1968.
Born in 1923
First American in space, commanded Apollo 14 mission, and walked on the Moon.
98 Years Old
Commander of the Apollo 13 mission, known for his heroic efforts in saving his crew after an explosion occurred on board. He's an iconic figure in space exploration history.
96 Years Old
Led the third manned mission to land on the Moon, Apollo 12, and became the third person to walk on its surface. Known for his bold and fearless approach to space exploration.
